Earlier, England smashed 335 for nine, after Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root both scored centuries. The pair put on a record second-wicket stand between England and New Zealand of 190.

Bairstow clubbed some absolutely massive sixes. One measured in at 113m and almost cleared the grandstand.

He had a life on 74 when Mitchell Santner dropped him at cover. The 28-year-old went on to score 138 - his third ODI century.

Root compiled a classy 102 - his 11th century. While he does not have the power game of Bairstow, he certainly has all the skills. He even played a reverse scoop and that may be the first time that shot has been seen at the venue.

A good crowd turned out to watch the thrilling match at the University Oval. Photo: Peter McIntosh

The Black Caps clawed back a lot of momentum following the departure of Bairstow, though. England lost six wickets for 21 runs.

No-one, it seemed, found batting quite as easy as Bairstow or Root.

Black Caps leg spinner Ish Sodhi showed his value with four for 58, picking up the wickets of heavy-hitters Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes.

"We were in a really commanding position until the 37th over and then had that collapse," England captain Eoin Morgan said after the match. "But we thought 330 was still a reasonably competitive score."

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first in warm and sunny conditions.